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Richard Cichelli Obituary
Richard was a graduate of the University of Delaware with a BS degree in Computer Science. He dedicated his professional career to creating computer software that enhances newspaper production efficiency, first as Research Director at the American Newspaper Publishers Association Research Institute in Easton, PA, and then as a partner with his wife at Software Consulting Services, LLC (SCS), founded by Martha in 1975. Richard was passionate about helping the free press survive.
He was dedicated to the principle that software should be as computer manufacturer and operating system independent as possible. He created programming tools that, over the decades, enabled SCS software to work with and adjust to many computer environments.
Richard was a teacher and mentor to software developers. He helped the mathematics department at Lehigh University develop a computer science program in the mid-1970s. After joining Software Consulting Services as its President in the 1980s, he created and guided an active summer programming internship program for students which continues today. This was one of Richard's greatest joys.
He and his wife were very happy to see SCS successfully acquired by a long-time employee so that it, its products, its employees and its customers will continue to thrive.
Services: A Celebration of Richard's Life will be announced at a later time. Arrangements were entrusted to the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, LLC, in the Village of Moorestown – Bath.
Contributions: Memorial contributions may be offered to Lehigh Valley Humanists, 522 W. Maple Street, Allentown, PA 18101.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cichelli
Sponsored by George G. Bensing Funeral Home, Inc..
Stephen Waters, Rome (NY) Daily Sentinel
December 17, 2021
Yes, Rich was a software developer, a manager, and an entrepreneur, but he was also one of the best editors I ever knew. In 1979, frustrated at the quality of editorial systems, I wrote a paper for the national newspaper association known as ANPA offering publishers advice on selecting systems. ON staff at ANPA, Richard lovingly but relentlessly tore it apart, word by word, sentence by sentence. Is this really what you want to say? Is this word necessary? Some 80 single-spaced pages and he worked each phrase with me. Forty years later and I still use his methods. Relentless pursuit of understanding. Isn´t that a wonderful gift to give someone? Please pass it on. Thank you, Richard.
John and Anna Marie Cichelli
December 14, 2021
Martha, our deepest condolences for the passing of Richard. I have fond memories of getting together in Wilmington when we were young. Richard always had something very interesting to do or play with and he was a master at chess.
We extend our prayers and hugs.
John Bell
December 14, 2021
Martha,
You have my deepest condolences. I've thought about you and Richard a lot in the last six months or so. I was reminiscing about the concerts in your home, the Toastmasters parties, how you both were a welcome sight in the audience at the speech contests, the kind words you both shared after I presented. I always appreciated Richard's perspective.
Know that you will be in my thoughts, and also, if you'd like to talk, I am only a phone call away. If I can do anything during this challenging time, maybe bring you a meal, help you reorganize things, or simply be a friend ready to listen, I'm there for you.
May you be comforted and surrounded by the love of your family and friends. Be well.
Your Toastmaster friend,
John
William Bader
December 14, 2021
Richard was the rare person who successfully combined being an educator, a technologist, and an entrepreneur. He brought the Pascal programming language to Lehigh University when everyone else was using assembly and Fortran. He wrote a paper on Minimal Perfect Hash Functions that has been cited hundreds of time. Richard's honesty and integrity formed the corporate culture of SCS. When he gave me the silly program test in 1982, I never realized the decades of adventure that was about to start. He taught me how to drive on his stick-shift Honda so I could spend more time working instead of waiting for buses. He had been Delaware state chess champion in the 1960's. We sometimes played on weekends while I was an intern. When he was about to win, he would remind me "Always check, it might be mate!" Richard will be missed. My condolences to Martha and the rest of his family.
The Mirabito Family/My Place Pizza Restaurant
December 13, 2021
Dear Martha... We are so very saddened to hear the news of Richard's passing. We will remember him with much fondness...his humor; the stories he shared with us; and, the way he was so incredibly kind to our sons - in their youth...and, to our staff as well. Please know you and Sharon will remain in our prayers for strength, comfort and peace in the days ahead. Please accept our most sincere condolences. May he rest in eternal peace.
Jussi Siintola
December 13, 2021
Ulf, Per, Jakob and I, long-time colleagues from Sweden and Finland, offer our most sincere sympathy to Martha and all of Richards family.
We were lucky to have the possibility to visit you at your mansion and getting to know you and Martha personally.
Rest In Peace Richard, don´t beat to many up there at the Pool Table. Give them at least a small chance...
Jim Cichelli
December 12, 2021
Marilyn and I offer our most sincere sympathy to Martha and Sharon and all of Richard´s family. We shared many good times as kids growing up in a great extended family of cousins, aunts , uncles and Grandparents. Rest In Peace Richard.
Gary Schall
December 12, 2021
Sorry to hear of Richard's passing. He gave me a chance, and a career in the software industry. I learned a lot while working for him.
Miriam Levine
December 12, 2021
My deepest condolences to Richard's family. I first met him at ANPA and knew him to be an intense but very kind man. I am very sorry to learn of his passing.
Diane Cormican
December 12, 2021
Richard lived an amazing life with the love of his life, Martha. Keep the memories and the love alive! Wishing you peace as you navigate a future without him, and know that he will live on in your heart.
Steve Ziminsky
December 12, 2021
Martha - I know you will take each day one at a time. My sincere condolences at your loss.
Patricia Burslem1
December 11, 2021
I've known Richard and Martha for many years they were not only husband and wife but best friends, I know Martha will miss him but will find peace that he's no longer in pain. Praying for the both of them.
Margaret (Olsson & Co)
December 11, 2021
My deepest condolences
Kyle Kotch
December 11, 2021
Richard and SCS offered me my first opportunity to work in Computer Science as a freshman at Lafayette. That internship saw me through a semester abroad in Australia and the remaining 3 years of my undergrad tenure. He was a great teacher and I'm forever grateful for the lessons he taught me and starting me on my career path in technical consulting.
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